Ecosystem service flows and complex networks: a proposal

Ecosystem services (ES) are the benefits that people obtain from ecosystems, which are essential for sustainable development. The movement and interaction of ES between ecosystems and human societies in a region can be modeled as flows in complex networks. In this paper we study the flow of water regulation ES in municipalities in the mountainous region of the state of Rio de Janeiro. This region is the largest producer of fresh food in the state and is highly vulnerable to climate disasters. We evaluate the flow of this ES using centrality metrics in complex networks, which allow identifying the most relevant basins in these municipalities. Evaluating SE flows can support public policies and decision-making on land use, especially in areas prone to extreme weather events.